Recording and accounting apparatus



June 17, 1952 J. J. ACKELL ET AL RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 15, 1950 WNEOU N RN WW INVENTORS.

June 17, 1952 J. J. ACKELL ET AL RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 13, 1950 wwl INVEN TORS June 17, 1952 J. J. ACKELL ET AL RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets- Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 13, 1950 IN V EN TORS.

June 1952 J. J. ACKELL ETAL 2,600,952

RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 15, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 4 INVENTORS BY M44 June 17, 1952 J. J. ACKELL ETAL RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS 7 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Jan. 13, 1950 INVENTOILS m June 17, 1952 J. ACKELL ETAL 2,600,952

RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 13, 1950 7 Sheets-Sheet e g FIG. 6

IIIIII IIIII IIIII ll "llll, llllllll INVENTORS Bm-(w June 17, 1952 J. J. ACKELL ETAL 2,600,952

RECORDING AND ACCOUNTING APPARATUS Filed Jan. 13, 1950 7 Sheeis-Sheet 7 FIG. 9

INVENTORS. BY -;4

Patented June 17, 1952 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE RECORDING AND ACCOUNTlNG APPARATUS Joseph J. Ackell, Bellaire, and Herbert L mmaing, Port Washington, N. Y., assignors to Dow J ones & Company, Inc., Wilmington, Del., a corporation of Delaware Application January 13, 1950, Serial No. 138,372

I '44 Claims. 1

This invention relates to electrically operated apparatus for recording desired entries or data on a plurality of record keepin cards or sheets and for otherwise facilitating accounting operations.

A primary purpose of the invention has been to provide apparatus of the foregoing type which is particularly suited for the erhci'ent and accurate keeping of subscription records, such as those identified with a periodical publication or a continuous service. It is, however, adapted for a variety of uses among which may be mentioned, by Way of example, the keeping of records relating to insurance policies, bank accounts, manufacturing operations, retail charge accounts, and the like. I

An object of the invention has been to provide a simple and rapidly operable recording machine which is adapted to makea plurality of duplicate original entries, by a single printing means, on a number of difierent cards or sheets employed in an accounting system. Toward this end, provision has been made for repetition of the same entry on the desired number of record media and for locking certain adjustable controls against the setting-up of a new and different entry until the predetermined number of copies of the previous entry have been completed. Provision has also been made for varying at will, in the course of setting up an entry to be made, the number of copies to be required. I

Another object has been to provide recording apparatus of the character indicated which "is capable of high speed operation, with a minimum danger of error, and one which is simple to control and operate and is constructed for makimuin convenience of the operator. A plurality of locks and interlocks is provided to guard against tampering and to insure the proper use of the machine. As an incident to the provision of means for controlling the production of a predetermined variable number of copies of a particular entry, an indication is provided of the completion of the selected number of copies. v I I A further object has been to provide a plurality of different controls, some adiustable manually, some variable automatically, and some oi a pre determined and fixed character, for selecting the particular character to be printed by a single printing member as the latter is shifted akially', from column to column, in relation to a record card or sheet. Themeans provided for this purpose includes a main selector switch arranged to be operated automatically, step by step, to select successively the different centrols to be eifective 2 in determining the character to be printed. This selector switch is coordinated with the step by step movements of the printing member in relation to the record card, so that each of the different controls is identified with a particular column or columns on the record card.

Still another object has been to provide automatic counting devices which serve to indicate the volume of business handled by the machine. These counting devices include a grand total counter providing an indication of the total number of entries recorded over a period of time, a subtotal counter adapted to provide a visual indication o'rthe number of entries of a particular character made during a limited period of time and a counter adapted to control the recording devices, to include in the recorded data successive numbers indicating the sequence of entries during a day or other desired period of time.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will appear from the detailed description of an illustrative form of the same which will now be given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of the principal portion of the apparatus, a cover member being broken away to illustrate normally concealed parts; 7

Fig. 2 is a perspective View of the complete apparatus; 7

Figs. 3A and 3B are complementary to each other and, when combined end to end, constitute a schematic illustration of the electrical circuits and associated devices embodied in the apparatus;

Fig. l is a schematic view, partly in perspective and partly in the form of 'a circuit diagram, illustrating the printing mean and certain of the controls therefor and related device's;

Fig. 5 is a detail View, partly in elevation and partly schematic, illustrating certain portions of the control devices and circuits and the main selector switch;

Fig. 6 is a detail view showing, in plan, a portion of a record card and its supporting, guiding, and punching means and the printing wheel;

Fig. 7 is a vertical sectional view through the devices of Fig. 6 and is taken along the line l--'l of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8 is a detail view, in vertical section, taken along the line 8-8 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9 is a detail view, in elevation with parts broken away, showing a step by step counting switch and the operatin means therefor, four of these switches being embodied in the illustrative machine;

Fig. 10 is a detail view, taken along the line Iii-l of Fig. 9, showing the construction and arrangement of certain parts of the counting switch; and

Fig. 11 is a detail view, in elevation, showing the mounting for one of the adjustable control dials.

In the illustrated form of the invention it has been applied to the problems presented in the maintenance of subscription records by a periodical publication. It has been found desirable for this purpose to keep several sets of records, preferably in card form, one of which sets may be filed alphabetically, according to the names of the subscribers, and the other of which may be filed in accordance with the expiration dates of the subscriptions. One or more additional records of similar character may be kept, if desired. Also, it has been found desirable, as

a close check upon the accuracy of the records,

to record the subscription data on orders for new subscriptions or for renewals of old subscriptions and on the checks received in payment for such subscriptions. The latter entry enables the subscriber to verify the correctness of the entry of his subscription, upon the return to him of the cancelled check. Of course, when a subscription is renewed without the concurrent payment therefor, or when an order for renewal or a new subscription is given orally over the telephone, the entries will be made simply on the cards preserved in the files of the publishing company. The number of such records kept by the company may vary according to the character of the transaction, 1. e. as to whether the order for the subscription is accompanied by the payment in full or whether other arrangements are made for payment. Therefore, it will be understood that the desired number of copies of a particular entry may vary with the circumstances.

The illustrative machine is adapted to provide a variable predetermined number of repetitions of the same entry under control of a Number of Copies selector. A single printin wheel is employed for the making of the several entries, this wheel being shiftable across the record card or other medium, from column to column, and being rotated under control of one after another of a plurality of different control means to select the character to be printed in each column. Movement of the printing wheel transversely across the record card is coordinated with the selection of the controlling means so that when the wheel is in a particular position along its supporting shaft, it will be controlled by a predetermined one of the plurality of different controls. In the apparatus disclosed, the Wheel is moved successively to 40 different positions across the record medium and in doing so records indicla, providing the following information:

1. A code number identifying the particular machine,

2. A letter or symbol indicating the character of the account,

3. A number, from 1 to 999, indicatin the serial number of the transaction for the day or other selected period,

4. The amount of money involved in the transaction,

5. The current date,

6. The date of expiration of the new or renewed subscription, and

7. The number of copies being made of the particular entry.

Between the several items of data above indi- 4 cated, blank spaces are provided and at appropriate points other characters, such as a dollar sign, a period, a dash, or the like, will be provided. Thus all of the pertinent information regarding a transaction is given.

Certain of the foregoing items are recorded automatically through either fixed or automatically variable controls within the machine and others are under the control of manually adjustable elements, these being in the form of rotatable dials in the illustrative machine.

It has been found desirable, in making use of the apparatus, to refer orders for new subscriptions firstly to the department responsible for the production of the necessary addressing plates. These are then used to print the subscribers name and address upon the several record cards or media to be identified with the new account. The cards are then sent to the operator of the recording and accounting apparatus along with the existing cards of subscribers who have just ordered renewals of their subscriptions. The machine operator then sorts the cards, orders, and checks according to the amounts involved, depending upon the length of the subscription or renewal requested, and subsequently makes the desired entries upon all of the items. By sorting and grouping the items involving the same charge it is easy to compute the actual amount of money received, by multiplying the number of subscriptions of a particular character, entered upon the machine, by the cost of such a subscription. The value of the total subscriptions of each type may be separately computed and, so also, the cash transactions may be segregated from charge transactions and those of other types. An automatic counter is provided to indicate the number of transactions of a particular type entered and this counter may be reset by the operator upon the completion of the entry of the group of such subscriptions, after first jotting down the reading of this counter.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown. in Fig. 2, the preferred form of the complete apparatus. It has been found desirable to incorporate the recording and accounting equipment in a desk-like structure I which may suitably be constructed of steel. This provides space for drawers 2 for the storage of any articles required by the operator in the performance of her work. Supplies of various sorts may be kept in one drawer, for example, and one or more drawers may be devoted to the record media to be operated on during the day. It will be understood that a single machine is capable of handling records requiring considerably larger storage space than that provided in the desk structure and, therefore, other filing cabinets must be provided in the vicinity of the machine for the storage of the records. The top 3 of the desk provides space for the sorting of the material prior to making the entries, as explained above, and permits the work to be comfortably performed. A plate 4, located centrally of the desk top, is preferably pivotally or hingedly mounted on the top and normally conceals but provides access to the control mechanism for the recording devices. These control devices may, if desired, be supported directly from the plate. The plate is provided with suitable openings through which the various control dials or wheels, and the like, extend for manual adjustment or operation. The recording mechanism is provided beneath a slightly elevated hood 5 having a slot in its forward face through which the record media may be inserted to receive the printing impression. A plate 6, flush with the surface of the desk top, facilitates the insertion of the rec 0rd media in proper position for receiving the entries. As will be explained more fully hereinafter, the plate 6 is provided with guides for insuring proper location of the record medium, such as a card 7 (Fig. 1), to be printed upon and with means for retaining the card during the entry of the item.

A lock 8 mounted in the plate 4 is adapted to be operated by a key in the possession of a supervisor or other party responsible for the records. It controls the application of power to the apparatus. When the machine is to be set in operation, the key is inserted and the lock turned. A switch connected with the lock, to be hereinafter described, causes a motor connected with the printer to be set in operation and closes certain of the control circuits. Preferably also, it provides some luminous signal to indicate that the machine is ready for operation. As will be explained hereinafter, the illustrative apparatus provides for the illumination of the control wheels or dials whenever these are in condition for readjustment for a new entry. The illumination is discontinued as soon as the first record of the new entry is being made and the dials remain darkened until the same entry has been repeated the desired number of times on the several record media.

While the machine is conditioned for operation by turning of the lock 8 the printing mechanism is not operated until a push button 9 is depressed. Assuming that the various controls have been set in a desired position for a particular entry, depression of the push. button 0 will cause the first character to be printed in the column i0 on the record medium. This character may suitably be a symbol identified with the particular machine so that all records entered on that machine will carry the same symbol. At the completion of the printing or this character the printing wheel, to be described more fully hereinafter, is stepped to the next column II for the printing of a character indicating the nature of the transaction. For example, new subscriptions may be distinguished from renewals and a variety of other distinctions may be made between the various entries. The specific character to be printed in the column II is controlled by a dial or wheel l2 which extends through a slot in the plate 4 to permit manual adjustment by the operator. Upon completion of this recording operation, the printing wheel steps successively through the next 3 columns designated [3. In each of the three columns [3 the rotation of the printing wheel to select the character to be printed is under the control of the automatic numbering devices of the machine. This permits the recording of the serial numbers of the transactions from 1 to 999. After completion of the entry of the serial numher the printing wheel moves through one or two columns in which blank spaces are to be left. This is accomplished by fixed circuits brought into play as the wheel reaches the column or columns in question and these fixed circuits select the blank position of the printing wheel. Next the Wheel is moved to the column designated l4 wherein another fixed circuit predetermines the printing of. a dollar sign. Upon shifting of the wheel to the next column. the printing of a blank is predetermined by the machine,

but this is subject to change under control of a dial l5a, in the event that the transaction bein entered involves more than $99.00. In the next two columns the printing wheel is under control of a plurality of dials l5 adapted to be adjusted by the operator to indicate the dollar amount of the transaction. In the next column or position of the printing wheel it is controlled by a fixed circuit to cause printing of a decimal point, while in the next two columns it is controlled by dials 15b which are previously set in accordance with the cents involved in the transaction. Next the machine predetermines the leaving of one or more blank spaces. The last of these blank spaces is, however, subject to being changed to a 1 in case the date to be recorded in the next seven columns, designated I! in Fig. 1, requires any of the numbers 10, 11 and 12 to indicate the months of October, November, and December. The numbers indicative of date, at this point, are selected under the control of dials l8 and are intended to represent the current date. The dashes appearing between certain of the num bers are predetermined by fixed controls which complete appropriate circuits as the printing wheel reaches these columns of the record and is rotated to present the dash character. Upon completion of the current date entry either one or more blank spaces are provided. Whether the last of these will be a blank or a 1 will depend again upon the particular month involved in the date designation under control of dials 23. These are adapted to be set by the operator in accordance with the expiration date of the new or renewed subscription to which the entry relates. A blank space, or two blank spaces if desired, will then. be predetermined by the machine for the next column or columns of the record and finally in the column designated 2! the position of the printing wheel is determined by a dial 22 which selects the number of repeated copies to be made of the particular entry. As explained above, the nature of the transaction to be entered determines the number of copies to be recorded. The operator is, therefore, free to turn the dial 22 prior to the printing of the first copy of the entry but this dial and the dials I5, 20 and I2 become looked upon the commencement of the first copy of the entry and they remain locked until the completion of the selected number of copies. After the selected copy number has been printed in column 2| the type wheel is restored to the right (Fig. l) in readiness for repetition of the same entry on a new record medium.

A register 23, visible through the plate i, is provided to indicate the total number of entries made on the machine over any selected period oi time. This may be a non-resettable register or the resetting of it may be under the control of the supervisor or other person in authority. Another register 24 is provided to indicate the number of entries of a particular group of transactions. This enables the operator to compute readily the dollar amount of the group of transactions by simply multiplying the number indicated on the register 24 by the amount, say $20.00, involved in each transaction. Upon completion of a particular group of entries the operator may reset the register 24 by rocking a lever or disc 25. As will be explained the registers 23 and 24 are operated only once for each transaction. Thus if four copies of an entry are made on four separate record media, only the first recording of the entry will be registered.

Certain controls are preferably made available only to a supervisor or other person in authority. For example, the adjustment of the current date dials It may be of this character. So, also, the supervisor may be the only one permitted to reset the counting devices which control the printing of the number designated 13 on the record medium. For this purpose a lock 26 is provided which may be turned by a key in the possession of the supervisor. In practice, it has been found desirable to have the supervisor turn the lock 26 at the commencement of each new day or other selected period of time. Turning of the lock releases the dials 18 for adjustment. It is assumed, of course, that the lock 8 has also been turned to set the machine in operation. Now upon depression of the push button 9 the machine will record the data controlled in part by its fixed circuits, in part by the dials l2, [5, it, 20 and 22 and in part by the counter which controls the printing of the consecutive number designated 13. In the course of this printing operation, devices are automatically operable to reset the counter switches, which control the printing of the consecutive number, and to then advance the units switch of this counter to 1, so that the machine is conditioned for the printing of the number 1, in the appropriate column of the group designated [3, in connection with the first transaction for the day. machine has been thus conditioned for the day a light 27 will be illuminated and the supervisor may then turn the lock 26 back to its normal position and remove the key.

Access to the printing mechanism beneath the hood is available only to a person having a key adapted to operate a lock 28. Upon opening of the hood 5, which may be hingedly supported on the top of the cabinet, a lock 29 may either be automatically operated or may be made accessible for manual operation to release the plate 4 for pivotal movement about its hinges. Lock 29 may simply be a pin which is spring urged into a recess in a part connected with plate 4. Any necessary inspection and repair of the mechanism may be made when the hood and the plate are thrown open in the manner indicated.

A switch 3!), marked Stop, is provided to enable the operator to stop the machine at any point in its operation, in the event that something goes wrong. For example, if the record medium becomes buckled and interferes with the movement of the printing wheel the machine may be stopped and the necessary adjustments made. On again closing the switch 30, which may be a simple snap switch, the entry of the particular transaction will continue.

As a simple means for predetermining the line along which an entry will be made on a record card, provision is made for removing a small section of the card along one edge, as indicated at 3!, in the course of making each entry. Punching or shearing means, to be hereinafter described, is arranged to be operated upon each complete cycle of operation of the printing mechanism. Just enough of the card is removed at the edge to provide a new stop shoulder 3| to cooperate with a shoulder on the shearing means and position the next line on the card at the printing point.

Turning now to Fig. 4, there is schematically illustrated, in perspective, the principal parts of the printer. A motor 32 is provided, this being supplied with current upon the turning of the lock 8. A shaft 33 connected with the armature When the Z of the motor is constantly rotated, so long as the power is on, but none of the operative parts are driven until appropriate circuits are energized. At the outer end of the shaft 33 there is secured thereto a spiral gear 34 which meshes with a spiral gear 35 secured to the printing wheel supporting shaft 35. A friction slip clutch is provided between the gear 35 and the shaft 36, so that the latter will be driven only when released, slippage taking place between the parts of the clutch when the shaft is held against rotation. A printing wheel 31, having appropriate characters distributed about its face, is keyed to the shaft for rotation with it, but is mounted for sliding movement axially along the shaft. In the illustrative machine the wheel 31 is provided with 20 characters around its periphery and it is adapted to be stopped in any one of 20 positions to bring a selected character into printing position. A ratchet wheel 38, secured to the shaft, cooperates with a detent 39 carried by a plate or armature 40 pivotally mounted at 4| on a fixed part of the apparatus. When appropriate circuits are completed after the push button 9 is depressed, an electromagnet 42 is energized and serves to attract the plate 40 and thereby disengage the detent from the ratchet wheel. A spring 43 normally urges the plate and detent into active position. When the detent is withdrawn, the shaft 36 is driven through the clutch 35 and serves to rotate a brush element 44 at its outer end over the segments of a commutator 45. Rotation continues until another circuit is completed, as will be explained hereinafter, and the circuit through electromagnet 42 is broken to cause re-engagement of the detent 39 with the next succeeding tooth of the ratchet 38.

When the circuit through magnet 42 is broken to release the detent, a circuit will be completed through a magnet 46 which then attracts a plate 41 against the action of a spring 48 and withdraws a detent finger 49 from one of a pair of projections on a disc 50. This permits a shaft 5| to partake of a half revolution, this shaft being driven by a slip clutch connected with a helical gear 52 meshing with a helical gear 53 secured to the shaft 33. Toward the end of the half revolution of the shaft 5!, a projection 54a on a disc 54 will engage the end of a lever 55 and rock this about its pivot 55a to carry a laterally bent portion 551) against the adjacent character on the printing wheel. Portion 55b thus constitutes an elongated platen capable of taking an impression from the printing wheel in any axial position which it may assume along the shaft 36. It will be understood that the record medium will be positioned between the platen and the type wheel and that the latter is supplied with ink in any suitable way, as by rubbing against an inked felt roller in the course of rotation.

Movement of the printing wheel along its shaft is produced by a worm 56 secured to the shaft 5|. Cooperating with the worm is a finger 51 extending upwardly from a link 58 pivotally connected at 53 to a carriage B0. The latter is slidable along a supporting rod or shaft 50a. At its forward end the carriage B0 is forked and engaged with a groove in the hub of the printing wheel 31, A spring 6|, connected at one end with the link 58 and at its other end with a latch Bla pivotally mounted on the carriage 60, serves to hold the finger 51 in engagement with the worm. The arrangement is such that for each half revolution of the shaft 5| the carriage will be advanced along its support and will, in turn, shift the Printing wheel along its shaft 36 a distance equal to hat between successive columns on the record medium. When an entry has been completed, upon the printing of the number in the last column 2| on the record medium, the finger 51 will be engaged by a cam portion 56a at the end of the worm and this will rock the link 58 downwardly about its pivot 59 until finger 51 is disengaged from the worm groove. The link is then held in this position by engagement of the end of the latch with a notch 58a. At this time the carriage 60 will be restored to its initial position by means of a spring 62. As the carriage reaches its starting positon the latch engages a fixed cam lug 62a which releases it and allows finger 51 to engage the worm. The device is then ready for a repetition of the same entry upon the depression of the push button 9 again.

A punching or shearing member 63 is carried at the upper end of the armature of a solenoid M which is energized near the commencement of each printing cycle and remains energized until a full entry has been printed. A spring finger 65 (Figs. 6 and 7) mounted on the top of the shearing member carries a pin 85 adjacent its outer end and this is drawn downwardly into engagement with the record card or sheet I to retain it against accidental displacement during a printing cycle. Downward movement of the shearing member also carries inclined shearing edges 6? and 53 (Figs. 7 and 8) downwardly through the record medium and shears a small section from the edge of the latter by ccaction with fixed edges 69 and 10, respectively, of a plate H. Plate 'H fits into a cut-away portion of the plate :6 and may be in the form of a lateral extension from a member 12 having an upper flange spaced from and extending inwardly over a portion of the plate 6. A guide channel is thus provided for the card or other record medium which insures its uniform location in relation to the printing Wheel. When the card is inserted, the last formed shoulder 3| thereon will be brought against the forward face of the shearing member 63 in a recessed region thereof just below the shearing edge 61 (Fig. 7). Shear ing of a new section from the edge of the card during the printing of the new entry will insure insertion of the card a corresponding amount further into the hood for the next entry so that this will be made on the next line of the card. As shown in Fig. 1 the marginof the card may carry a printed sequence of numbers which are successively removed by the shearing operations and thereby indicate the number of the next entry to be made. It has been found desirable, for the purposes of the illustrative machine, to employ a record card capable of receiving or ll successive entries. Provision is made on each card for a number of changes of address of the subscriber and also for indication of the party to be billed for the subscription. This is desirable in cases in which an individual is the subscriber, in the sense that he receives the periodical issues as they are published, but his company or firm is responsible for the carrying of the subscription. To reduce wear on the parts, a guide plate '53 may mounted on the upper surface of the member ii in the region of the shearing member, this plate being provided with an opening for the passage of the shearing member in its upward and. downward movements. Plate 13 may be secured by screws F4 to the top of the guide member '52.

We come now to the means for controlling the various operative devices of the printing mecha-. nism. Referring to Fig. 5, there is shown schematically a multi-contact switch which includes a rotatable shaft 15 mounted in suitable supports (not shown) and carrying a plurality of contact arms l'fi, ll, 78, and i9. Arm I6 is adapted to engage successively a series of twenty contacts 89 during a half revolution of the shaft 75. At the same time arm TI is carried through an idle portion of its revolution. As the arm it passes from the last of the series of twenty contacts, arm '51 engages the first of its series of twenty other contacts 8!. In a similar manner arm l3 engages successively a series of contacts 82 during one-half revolution of the shaft 15, while the arm 79 en ages, successively, a series of contacts 83 during the other half revolution of the shaft '15. This shaft is rotated in a clockwise direction (Fig. 5) by means of a ratchet wheel 84 acted upon by a pawl 85 pivotally attached to a bell crank lever 86. The latter is pivoted at 8'! to a fixed portion of the frame and carries an armature 88, as its other arm, adapted to be attracted by the electromagnet 39 when the latter is energized. This serves to rock the arm 86 downwardly, thus carrying the pawl 85 downwardly until its upper end is carried beneath the next tooth on the ratchet wheel. A spring 98 permits rocking of the pawl 85 as required in this movement. When the magnet 39 is ole-energized, the arm 86 and pawl 85 are moved upwardly by a spring 9! to turn the shaft '15 through ,6, of a revolution. A spring urged detent 92 cooperates with ratchet Wheel 8:! to hold the latter against backward rotation during retraction of the pawl 85.

The switch above described may be designated the main selector switch, since it serves to select the particular control means to be effective during each printing operation of the platen 551). Thus each of the contacts 80 and BI, except for the last few contacts of the group 8|, is identified with one of the positions of the printing wheel along its shaft. The first contact as corresponds with the first column on the record sheet and, therefore, as will be explained hereinafter, when the arm it is on this contact a circuit will be completed to a definite section of the commutator 45 depending upon the character chosen to identify the particular machine. This character according to Fig. 3B is the number 2. The record card in Fig, 1 also shows that previous entries on the same card have been made on other machines.

Let us trace the circuit which will be completed when the arm 16 is carried to the contact 8011 in Fig. 5. Current will be supplied from the positive side 93 of a current source through a line 94 to the inner end of arm 16 and through the latter to contact 80a which is, in turn, connected by line 95 to a collector ring 95a engaged by an arm 96 secured to a shaft 91 on which is fixedly mounted one of the series of dials or wheels [5 which may be manually adjusted by the operator to set up the amount of the transaction to be entered. The arm 96 extending radially from the shaft is arranged to engage any one of a series of contacts 99 (Figs. '5 and 11) carried by a fixed disc 98, formed of insulating material, ecured to a bearing sleeve 98a. The latter is carried by a bracket 98b secured, by screws or the like, to the undersurface of the plate 4. It will be understood that each of the dials is similarly supported by a separate bracket. The

of the twenty diiferent rotational positions of the printing wheel, most of which involve characters to be printed. Connections are provided from each segment of the commutator to each of the control devices which may, at one time or another, control the selection of that char- 1 acter. Thus the segment 2 of the commutator will be connected with each of the controlling means which is capable of selecting a number 2 when that controlling means becomes effective by the movement of the main selector switch,

as above described. From this it will be apparent that the number 2 contact on the dial I5, shown in Fig. 5, will be connected with the number 2 contact on each of the other dials bearing the number 2. It will also be connected with the number 2 position of other controls capable of bringing about the printing of a number 2.

From the 2 segment of the commutator the circuit is completed through the brush arm 44, when this reaches the specified segment in the course of its rotation, then the line IOI (Figs. 3A and 3B) and the coil of magnet I02 back to the grounded side of the circuit. What happens upon completion of the circuit in this way will not be explained at this time, since this i will require discussion of other parts of the circuit system which have not yet been described.

It will be understood that other shafts like 91 carry other arms, similar to 95, adjacent and arranged to turn with the other dials of the series I5a, I5 and I5!) to cooperate with contacts, similar to 99, carried by fixed discs, similar to disc 98, which are in turn connected by lines, similar to line I00, with the appropriate segments of the commutator 45. understood that lines similar to 95 will serve to connect individual contacts 80 in the region of contact 80a with corresponding arms 96, through collector rings similar to 95a, so that a particular one of these arms will be active 7 when the main selector arm 15 reaches a particular contact 80. The several arms 96 mounted on the separate shafts 91 are, of course, insulated from each other.

Returning to Fig. 5, a number of the contacts 80 are connected by a series of lines I03 (only one being shown) with arms, similar to arm 96, forming parts of dial units of the type explained which are coaxial with a shaft I04. These units It should be 1';

carry the dials I8 identified with the current date. Their arms, similar to 96, will, therefore, become successively effective to control the stopping of the brush arm 44 and shaft 36 as the arm I5 is stepped around to the corresponding contacts 80. It should be understood that the arms, similar to the arm 96, which are carried by shafts similar to the shaft 9! are positioned adjacent the dials l8 and cooperate with one or another of series of contacts, similar to 99 (Fig. 11), on the faces of discs fixedly mounted adjacent dials I8, depending upon the positions to which they are adjusted. These contacts are connected, in turn, by a series of lines, similar to the line I00, to the appropriate sections of he commutator 45 (Figs. 3B and 5).

A contact BIc is connected by a line I05 with a collector segment I06 cooperating with an arm or bar I01 carried by dial 22 secured to the shaft I04. The arm or bar I01 serves to bridge the collector segment I05 with one or another of a plurality of contacts I08, depending upon the position of adjustment of the dial 22. Segment I06 and contacts I08 are carried by a fixed disc similar to 98. Each of the contacts I08 is connected by a line I09 with the appropriate segment of the commutator 45 (Figs. 33 and 5).

In a similar manner, contact III?) is connected by a line I I0 with a collector ring IIOa cooperating with an arm I I I carried by a shaft H2 which supports one of the series of dials 20, adapted to be set to indicate the month involved in the expiration date. Other dials of the group 20, identified with the expiration date, and the dial I2, adjustable to indicate the character of the account, are similarly connected with approp riate contacts of the groups 80 and 8|. The arm III and. other similar arms serve to bridge the collector rings with one or another of series of fixed contacts carried by discs, similar to 98, adjacent the several dials. Each of the contacts of these series is connected by a line II3 with an appropriate one of the segments of the commu tator 45. It will be understood that the contacts related to corresponding numbers on the several dials may be interconnected and, in turn, connected by a single line II3 with the related segment of the commutator.

Contact 8Ia which is reached just in advance of contact 8Ib in the rotation of the arm I! is connected by a line |I4 with a switch arm H5. The latter, as shown in Fig. 5, is engaged with a contact IIB to complete a circuit through a line H, which is connected with the 1 segment of the commutator 45. When the dial 20 is rotated to carry a cam projection II8 away from the upper end of the switch arm II5, the latter will be spring urged toward the right and will engage a contact arm H9 to complete a circuit through line I 20 with that segment of the commutator 45, designated Sp in Fig. 5, which is identified with a blank space on the printing wheel. This arrangement is such that when the dial 20 is adjusted to any of the month designations 1 to 9 a blank will occur on the record just in advance of the month designation for the expiration date. However, when the dial 20 is adjusted to either the 10, 11 or 12 position, the number 1 segment of the commutator will be rendered active to cause the printing of a 1 in the column just in advance of those designated I9 on Fig. 1. It will be understood that either a 0, 1, or 2 will then be printed in the next column, depending upon the particular setting of the dial 20. As shown in Fig. 5, the dial 20 is set to cause printing of the month designation I2 in the two columns of the record controlled by this dial. A similar arrangement is provided for that dial of the group I3 which designates the month of the current date.

It should be observed at this point that, for simplicity of manufacture, all of the adjustable dials are of the same construction and are provided with twelve character spaces. When only a portion of these are required for the purposes of the dial, as in the case of the dial I5 shown in Fig. 5, the contacts 99 related to the extra sections of the dial are connected with the space segment of the commutator. Ordinarily these contacts will not come into play since the dials should be set to designate some desired character.

13 However, if the dial should inadvertently be left in a blank position the apparatus will be permitted to continue through a complete recording cycle, as will be explained, and a blank space will simply be left on the record in the particular column involved.

Some of the contacts on the main selector switch are connected directly with corresponding segments of the commutator 45 through a plurality of lines I2I (Figs. 33 and 5) For example, the contacts corresponding with the columns of the record entry which are always to be left blank are so connected with the segment of the commutator identified with the blank position of the printing wheel. So also, the contact 89d which controls the printing of the dollar sign in column IQ of the recorded entry is directly connected with that segment of the commutator identified with the dollar sign on the printing wheel. Likewise, the contacts BI which correspond with the columns of the recorded entry in which dashes are always printed are directly connected with that segment of the commutator which is identified with the dash on the printing wheel. The first contact 80, which is engaged when the machine is at rest in its initial position, is connected directly with the commutator segment identified with the character designating the machine, i. e., the number 2 segment in the machine illustrated.

To control the printing of the consecutive numbers in the columns identified I3 on the record entry a series of three counting switches oi special construction is provided. One of these switches is illustrated in some detail in Fig. 9 and all three :1:

order switch. Contacts I are, in turn, connected by lines I21 with contacts within the control panel 4 corresponding with the numbers 0 to 9. These contacts are, as previously explained, connected by lines I80 with corresponding segmerits of the commutator 45.

The switch identified with the units order of the counter is provided with an arm I28 adapted to be shifted successively from one contact I22 to another. Similarly the tens order switch has an arm I29 adapted to engage successively the contacts I24, while the hundreds order switch has an arm I33 adapted to engage successively the contacts I26.

Referring now to Figs. 9 and 10, the switch identified with the units order of the counter will be described and it should be understood that the other two switches may be of the same construction. Actually the arm I28, which is secured to a shaft I3I and rotated therewith, does not serve as a conductor from its axis to the engaged contact I22, as schematically indicated in Fig. 3B, but rather serves to bridge and provide a connection between a collector member and the selected contact I22. connection I280; is provided from a suitable point in the circuit, to be explained, to the collector member which has a series of projections I281) aligned with the inner ends of the contacts I22. As the arm I28 is rocked downwardly in Fig. 9

Thus a common 14 it interconnects, successively, the extensions I281) with the contacts I22.

Rotation of the shaft I3I, step-by-step, is accomplished by a ratchet I32 secured to the shaft arranged to be engaged by a pawl I33 pivotally mounted at I34 on an armature I35, pivoted at I36. A leaf spring I3! connected with the horizontal arm of the armature normally urges the latter clockwise, the spring being biased in this direction from its point of engagement with a fixed abutment I3'Ia. However, when an electromagnet I38 is energized the armature is attracted against the action of the spring and the pawl I33 then engages the adjacent tooth of the ratchet I32 and moves the same one step. A spring I39 coacting between the armature I and arm 1st of the pawl I33 normally urges the latter clockwise into engagement with the ratchet. However, when the armature is in the position shown, the arm I40 of the pawl engages the fixed stop I3'Ia and rocks the pawl slightly to disengage its point from the ratchet. It will be understood that spring I3! is stronger than spring I39. When the armature is attracted by the magnet, however, the pawl is rocked by spring I39 into engagement with the ratchet. As the pawl advances it turns the ratchet one step and then engages a stud or roller I II which wedges it to prevent overthrow. A detent I42 cooperates with the teeth of the ratchet to hold the latter in the position to which it has been shifted by the pawl I33. Detent I42 is pivotally mounted on a fixed pin I43 and is urged into engagement with the ratchet by a spring I44 connected with a fixed stud I45. After the arm E28 has reached the lowermost contact I22, which is identified with the number 9, a circuit is completed, in the manner to be explained, through a magnet i 56 which attracts the detent I42, which forms the armature of the magnet, to release the ratchet I32. A spring I41 connected with the ratchet then rotates the latter back to the position shown in Fig. 9 which is one step beyond 0 position.

As a part of the means for causing the resetting of the arm I28, in the manner explained, and also causing a one-step movement to be imparted to the tens counter or switch after the arm I23 has reached the 9 contact I22, a second arm I51, similar to the arm I 28, is secured to the shaft I3I. This second arm serves to bridge extensions, corresponding to extensions {2%, from a second collector member over to a series of contacts I52, similar to contacts I22 and parallel with the latter in Fig. 9. In a similar manner the switch identified with the tens order of the counter is provided with a second arm I; (Fig. 33) adapted to engage successively a series of contacts I54 to complete a circuit through one of these. Likewise the hundreds order switch is provided with a second arm I55 arranged to engage successively a series of contacts I56 to complete a circuit through one or another of these at the appropriate time.

Since the circuits through the counter switches described above also pass through a similar counter associated with the dial which determines the number of copies to be printed, the latter will now be described. The dial 22 which determines the number of copies of an entry to be printed has a second collector segment I5? (Figs. 33 and 5), similar to the sector I0 5. An arm I58 carried by the dial serves to connect the sector I51 with one or another of a series of contacts I 59. The latter, in turn, are connected with contacts I60 of a switch member identical with that shown in Fig. 9. A arm IGi, corresponding with arm II of Fig. 9, is arranged to engage successively the contacts I68 to complete a circuit through the selected one of the latter after the arm IBI has been stepped the appropriate number of times. The counting switch identified with the number of copies also has an arm I62 adapted to cooperate successively with a series of contacts I63 in the same manner as arm I28 engages contacts I22. However, only the first two of these contacts enter into any of the circuits involved in the illustrative machine and, therefore, the remaining contacts may be omitted, if desired.

The operation of the apparatus will be best understood from a description of certain typical operations. Let us assume that the apparatus is in the position which it takes following the completion of the predetermined number of entries of a particular item. At this time the various adjustable dials will be freed for readjustment to a new setting. The printing wheel carriage will be restored to its right-hand position and the wheel will be rotated to the position in which it is ready to print a designation corresponding with the particular machine. In the drawings it has been assumed that this designation will be the number 2. The copy switch arms ISI and IE2 will have been restored or reset to a point one step below the 1 position and will have been advanced one step to the 1 position prior to the completion of the preceding printing operation, which was the last of the selected number of copies to be made. The main selector switch, represented by the arms 16, 11, 18 and 19 of Fig. 5, will have returned to the starting position which is that represented diagrammatically in Fig. 3B. This is by virtue of the fact that the arms will have been rotated through the 40 steps involved in making a single entry of an item. It will be understood that the printing impression controlling shaft 5| will be in the position of rest indicated in Figs. 3A and 4.

With the parts in this condition and with the switch 8 (Fig. 3A) closed by the turning of the lock in the manner previously explained, a circuit will be completed from the positive side 93 of the current source through line 94 (Figs. 3A and 33) to a branch line I64 extending to the axis of the arms 16, 11. as a single arm in Fig. 3B. Its outer end is on the first contact of the main control switch which is, in turn, connected through a line I65 with the coil of a relay I66, the opposite side of which is connected by line I61 with the number 2 segment of the commutator 45. Since the armature 44 will have been stopped on this segment at the conclusion of the preceding cycle, as explained above, the circuit will be completed through this armature and the line IIlI to and through the coil of magnet I82 and thence to ground at I68. Accordingly, it will be seen that switch arm I69 will be drawn upwardly into engagement with the contact at the lower end of a line I10, but no circuit will be completed through this line at this time due to the fact that switch arm I'll is held open by the magnet I 66 which is energized in the manner explained. The same circuit is also broken at switch arm I12 which is at this time attracted by a magnet I13, the coil of which is in an active circuit. That circuit extends from the positive side of the power source throu h line 84, branch line I14, switch arm I'll, and line I15 to and through the coil of magnet I13 and a lamp I13a, which illuminates the dials,

These arms are shown 16 then over to the first contact I63 (Fig. 3B) of the copies counter and through arm I62 of the latter down to ground at I16.

Magnet I13, which is energized at this time, in addition to operating the switch I12 serves to operate a locking member I11 (Fig. 5) which is pivotally supported at HM and which carries locking bars I18 and I18 adapted to engage slots formed in the peripheries of the various adjustable dials of the groups 20, I2 and I5. A link I85 connecting an arm of the member I11 with an arm of another locking member IBI, pivoted at I82 on the frame, simultaneously controls the action of a locking bar I83 which cooperates with the copies control dial 22. A spring I84 acting upon member I8I' normally serves to urge the several bars I18, I18 and I83 into locking engagement with the notches in the several control dials. However, when coil I13 is energized in the manner explained, the armature of the solenoid is shifted toward the left in Fig. 5 to unlock the various dials and simultaneously open the switch I12. Locking bar I83 may, if desired, cooperate with the dials I8 which control the setting of the current date, but it is preferred to provide a separate locking means for these dials under control of the switch 26 so that the supervisor, who places the machine in condition for operation at the commencement of a day, may set these dials and they will then remain set for the balance of the day.

Returning now to the circuits of Figs. 31. and 3B, and assuming that the various dials have been set to the desired positions for the next entry and a card has been inserted to receive it, the operator will depress the starting button 9 (Fig. l) which is illustrated as a switch in Fig. 3A. Closing of this switch will short circuit the coil I66 and will cause the switch arm I1I to be shifted, by a suitable spring, to break the circuit through line I15 and make a new circuit through a line I85. Breaking of the circuit through line I15 will deenergize the solenoid I13 and thus permit spring I84 to lock the various adjustable dials and, at the same time, the illumination of the dials by the lamp [13a will be interrupted. Line I85 will, at this time, be connected through the switch I12 with a line I86, magnet 45, line I18, switch arm I59, a line I81, another switch arm I88 and a line I88 with the ground I58. This circuit, it will be understood, is completed from the positive side of the current source through lines 94, I14, and switch arm I11. At the same time a circuit will be completed to ground at I862) through a branch line I8Ga leading from line I86. This circuit includes a relay coil I860 which shifts a switch arm I86d into engagement with a contact I886 thus completing another circuit from line 94 through the coil 64 of the punching mechanism to ground at 86 The latter circuit is held closed throughout the recording of the entry on the card so that spring finger 65 (Fig. 7) will hold the card in position as previously explained. In Fig. 4 this circuit has been simplified by omitting the relay coil I 860 and placing the solenoid 64 in its stead. Use of the relay simply insures an adequate supply of current to the coil 64.

Energizing of the magnet in the way explained, operates the stop arm 49 to release member and the printing shaft 5I for a half revolution. In the course of this half revolution of the shaft, the projection 54a on member 54 will cause operation of the platen arm to take an impression from the printing wheel which, as exb med. is a t s t m dcsitiq ed 3P9 -P i h number 2. Also in the course of rotation ofthe shaft the printingwheel carriage will be shifted one step toward the left (Fig. 4).

Upon the commencement of the rotation of the shaftil, switch arm I88 (F ig. 3A) will ride ofi f a projection 1% on ammembe 19' se u ed to the shaft. This will cause openingof the cuit. e we t e s. H a d 1 .end;.wi. mu tane s y l se a ci cu tbe v n1 n d w t h armr he att is co n ted by a in Hawaii t c i of mae tsat wsi s si e of w i h is co nec ed byl ne 94 wi h e ,l n i9r4 ex di f th tive s de. o h -r w ou ce- Ene z n .o the ma ne in th anne w l s ve-tor re r .t 1 .p w1.' 5 (Fig. 5) and condition thelatter;fon-cturning of e, r t h t wheel 8, Qll h on st p -.W en magnet 89 is deenergized Suchdeenergizaticn Of t e masneti brou h about by a p r ally elevated portion {3 ofthe earn it?! (Fig-3hr hi en a e .t es i hiarm 18,8 ata i tth v d-poi in e halirevql i iw shaft 5 in rei on: & f the Cami a of 5 .11 height the? it will hold the switch arm I38 in aniinter mediate 4 I si ion in w h h cabi o en d to bot f th l n s. #8 a J 3- D rin thi in va p w 8 i .5) w l ere eased ma n t s9 a dc e nder-th i fluen e sp ng. 9

i0 t nmb ra et .84 andc en eth v riou msco t e c or s t brth cqlieh. o s ep- After allhis has bee cc m i hed ,a-a qi tienr IQUa of the cam It! (Fig. 3A) will engage the switcharm [88 toclose the circuitbetween the latter and line I81. In the meantime, how ever,

coil 42, contact l iilswitcharm lfiiL-line I81,

switch armtliiil and linel $9 to ground at I68. Magnet will atthistimeoperatethe armglfl to release the ratchet wheel 33 and permitrotation f in ne W el s p r in haft 3 nti v romymu a i; rusbarmfl ies- 3 a d 4.

ac e t emser sementc v h commu a 4-5. When thisis reached, magnet;;lll3 isagain I energizedlto eratesW t b-a m 1.69 t s break-,,

ing the circuitthrough themagnet 42 and simultaneously wm ei h th cu throu h the magnet 46 to cfiectprinting of the new lcharacter.

In thearrangement illustrated, this-occurs When the brush arm 44 ofthe commutator reaches the segmentidentified With-the character selected by the adjustable dial l2 designating'the charactar oi the account or entry-being made. The circuit through magnet J82 is completed at this time as'follows': y from thepositiveside of the current source at-QJ, through-line 94,-line i G l, 'arni Hi to thesecondcontact ,of -theselector switch,

thence through a linesimilar to [ill to the con-troL panel tat which tlie lineisconnected with the axis of an arm, similar. to ll i (Fig. ,5), identified with thevdial l2. Assuming that the letter C is to be printed, as indicated byFig. l, thearm l II will engage the C contact on the faceof thedial Wheel, t-h will, n t mb co ne t d through.

a line similar to I13 with the-C segmentcf com- 1 mu a ri Wh n' be m 4. ac es-Li C segment, in the course of rotation of the released: shaft 3.6, the circuit vwill be completed through one If!" rand-magnet m to ground at 1-68.

Atthis time the printing cycle described above incident to the half revolution of shaft5l will berepeated and the various circ uits will be opened and closed in the manner and sequence described.

Printing of the letter C- on the record sheetiwill takeplacearid the carriage will step 7 to the third position and the mainfselecting switch will be stepped v to its third position, The contact ,80'

engaged by arm '16 at this time (will, through-the I lineflfimf placc the rotational position of the printing wheelfor the next operation under controlof the hundreds switch of the counter mechsm:

Assuming that the arm of the hundreds orderswitch of thecountingunit is in the number 2 p osition (Fig.3B) the engaged contact 26 will, as explained, be the onefthat is connected 'through onelof theilines I21 with the number 2 segment of the commutatorufi. Rotation of the shaft 36 will therefore, be permitteduntil this segment is'en gaged byrthebrushfarmifl at -which tim e the circuit through magnet. 42

will be broken, to arrestthe ratchet 38,f and the circuitthrough magnet-46 will be made to repeat the printingcyclef incidents to a half .revolu tion I of the shaftbl.

For the next or fourth positionof. the printing Wheelthemain selector switch, by engagement nectedwith line 1.49, will-predetermine control of therotation of the printingwheel by the tens denomination switch of the counting unit. Arm "[29. of thisswitch being on the number one contact-I24 willcause the commutator brush arm 44 tostopron the l segmentof the commutator by completing a circuit through magnet I02 at lthis'time. iThen upon the nc thalf revolutionoi the shaft 5| thepr'inting of the number lcwill take place and the other functions incident to rotation-of shaft-5| will take place, leaving the carriage in the fifth position, and the arm 16 of themain selecting switchon the fifth contact 80. .'-This ,is c onnected]with the units order of the counting system through the line I48 andwill place the printing wheel under the control of this order of the counter. Arm 128 being at I this time on the of position will, predetermine stopping of the brush arm. 44 on the 0; segmentof the commutator and will bring about a repetition Q ofthe printing cycle to record the 0.

Onthe resulting operation of the main selectingswitch the arm 16 will be brought to the sixth contact '80 which is connected directly by one of the lines ill with asegment of the commutator;;cor;rcsponding; with a blank position on the printing wheel. This may suitably be the vcommutator segment identified also with carriage return at the appropriate time; since it is desirable to have a blanlzportion of the printing wheel po it th r cor an at t s one o a i udeine I ;,w :.-be und t d tha th et I vn n of haft 36 and br sh fa 44 w l b a rested when this-blanksegmentof the commutator is reached and the printingcycle will again take place but no character will. be printed beusecf t e -a n o a ncharac rr-o h type-wheel at this particular point. ,All of the cui s however, id ifie h h =1Q a 0n o the shaft 511 will bemadeiandibroken in the sequence hereinbefore explained.

Another control circuituhowever, c energized v under certain ;circumstances when ithermain 1se-- leeting switch reaches the sixth position mentioned above. This is due to the engagement of the switch arm T with a contact I98 of the group 252. Contact I98 is connected by a line I99 with a resistance 239 at the upper right-hand corner of Fig. 3B and through the latter is connected by a line 2 3i with the coil of magnet IMia, corresponding with coil I45 01" Fig. 9, identified with the counting switch associated with the number of copies control. From the coil I46a the circuit extends through a resistance 202 and a line 203 to a line 2% connected with the grounded side of the circuit at 204a. A circuit is thus completed from the line 94 but due to the combined resistance of the members 200 and 202 nothing will occur. Insufficient current will flow through the coil lfilSa to operate the resetting devices of the switch illustrated in Fig. 9. However, if either of the resistances 200 and 202 is short circuited, in the ways to be explained, sufiicient current will fiow through the coil I49a to operate the resetting means. Resistance 202 will be short-circuited whenever the arm IGI has been shifted to the contact I80 corresponding with the number or" copies to be made, as determined by the dial 22. The circuit at this time will be completed from the coil I-ifia through a line 2030 to the collector segment I51, thence through the arm i58 of the copy selector to the selected contact I59, and thence by line I59a to contact I60. When arm IEI has reached the selected contact the circuit will be completed through this arm to the line 264 which then completes the circuit in the manner explained. In the setup illustrated in Fig. 38 this will occur when four copies have been selected and the fourth entry is being made. It should be noted in this connection that it is difficult to provide adequate power directly from the line to operate the resetting magnet ISa in the manner explained and, therefore, a condenser 96b is interposed in the line between the branch-off 94a and the point at which line 204 connects to ground. It will be understood that the condenser is in effect a battery which serves to build up and store a certain amount of energy that is released upon the completion of the circuit in the manner explained. The current thus provided is sufiloient to operate the resetting magnet. As explained, however, this resetting operation will not occur during the entry being described which is the first entry of the particular item.

Having completed the operation at the sixth position of the printing wheel and having stepped the arm of the main selector switch to the seventh position, together with the shifting of the carriage to its seventh position, the machine is arranged to cause another space or blank printing operation. In the eighth position of the main selector switch and the printing wheel, the parts are conditioned for the printing of a dollar sign. This is by virtue of the connection of the eighth contact S-ld directly with the dollar sign segment of the commutator 35 so that when the brush arm 44 reaches that segment the circuit will be completed through line Iei and magnet I02 to bring about the same printing cycle as has been previously described.

In the ninth position of the main selecting switch and the printing wheel, the latter is placed under control of the dial wheel I5a which determines the hundreds of dollars involved in the transaction to be entered. If the transaction involves less than $100 the arrangement is such that nothing will be printed in this position. A blank space on the printing wheel is selected for this purpose. However, if more than $100 is involved in the transaction the appropriate figure will be selected by the dial I5a and the brush arm will be caused to stop on the corresponding segment of the commutator in the same manner as has been explained in relation to the other dial controls.

Substantially the same controls are repeated for the tenth and eleventh positions of the main selector switch and the corresponding positions of the printing wheel. In these columns the rotational position of the printing wheel will be controlled by the dials I5 which will select the desired segments 45 of the commutator on which circuits will be completed through the brush arm id to the magnet coil I02.

Stepping of the main selector switch to the tenth position, however, will also energize another circuit by the engagement of arm 18 with contact 205 (Fig. 3B). This contact, when engaged by the arm, connects the positive side of the line 95 with a line 206 which extends to the advancing magnet I380. of the copy counting switch. The circuit is completed from magnet l38a through lines 203 and 204 to the ground at 204a. Condenser 94b will, at this time, be discharged to provide the necessary energy for operation of the counter advancing magnet. Its operation will be performed in the manner expiained in connection with Fig. 9. As a result of its operation, the arm I6I will be carried to the second contact I60 and similarly the arm I62 will be carried to the second contact I63 (Fig. 3B).

The entry of the selected item will then continue in the same manner during the next three advances of the carriage and of the main selector switch. In the twelfth position a line I2I serves to connect the contact directly with that segment or" the commutator 45 identified with a decimal point so that when this is reached the brush arm and printing wheel will be arrested and the decimal point printed. In the thirteenth and fourteenth positions the main selecting switch will throw the control over the printing wheel to the adjustable dials I5b for recording the number of cents involved in the transaction.

At the fourteenth position the movement of the arm I8 of the selector switch to a contact 207 will serve to connect the positive side 0! the line with a line 208 which extends over to a resistance 209, the opposite end of which is connected by a line 2I0 with the resetting coil 6b of the switch identified with the units order 01' the counting system. From the latter the circuit continues through line 2I I, resistance 2I2, and line 2I3 to the number 1 contact of the copies switch. However, the circuit will be broken at this point since arm I6I will have been previously shifted to the number 2 position. A branch line 2I4 just in advance of the resistance 2I2 serves to short circuit the latter when the arm I5I has been shifted 9 steps from the position shown, the by-pass being completed to line 2| 3 through branch line 2I5. It will be seen, therefore, that sufficient current to cause operation of the resetting devices of the units switch will not be passed through the coil I 462) unless the arm I5I is on the 9 position and the arm I6I of the copy counter is on the 1 position shown. The latter condition will prevail only during the final entry of a particular item. In the course of such an entry the resetting coil 6a of the-copycounterwill-be energized in the sixth position of the selector'switch and the arm Hi I will be restoredat this time to aposition one belowthat indicated in Fig; 3B. -As the selector switch reaches the 10 position, in the course of this cycle, coil I38a will be energized to advance thearm IGI to the 1 position shown and during this cycle the'coil I- ltb'may be energized when theselecting switch reaches the fourteenth position. This, however, is only when the counting arm II 'isin the 9 position as explained because his only at this time that it is desired to reset the'units switchand then, at a later point in the cycle, as will be explained, advance the tens switch one step. By requiring the copy counter arm It! to be on the '1 position to com-- pletethe' circuit through coil I48b', the resetting ofthe units order counting switch, and also the tens iand'hundredsorder switches as will be explained, can take place only during the making of the "last copy of a particular entry. This insures printing of the same serial number for each copy of an entry.

Upon stepping of the main selector switch to theflfteenth and sixteenth positions and the corresponding movement of the printing wheel to theflfteenth and sixteenth columns direct connections are provided through a line I2I 'to a segment, ofthe commutator, such as the carriage return segment, which will predetermine a blank printing. operation.

As the printing Wheel moves to the seventeenth and.- succeeding positions and the main selector switch is correspondingly shifted to the seventeenthandsucceeding positions the control will next be shifted to the series of current date dials I8.. This will be accomplished by connections similar to those indicated in Fig. 5 with respect to the expiration date controls.

In the seventeenth position the character to be printed will be determined by a switch arm similar to H5 of Fig. 5, controlled by a cam projection similar "to H8. If the month involved is prior to October a blank will be provided in the seventeenth position of the record, while if the month involved is October, November, or Decemher a l'will be printed in this position. The operation of the various circuits will be clear from thepreceding description. In the course of printingthe complete current date the rotational position of'the printing wheel will be determined in part by the switch above mentioned, in part by the positioning of the dials I8, and in part by fixed connections through a line similar to line I2I from certain contacts 80 directly to the dash selecting segment of the commutator 45. As each character involved in the date is selected under the proper .control the printing shaft 5| will be released for a half revolution and the various circuits will be made and broken to continue the recording of the item in the manner explained. The selection of the remaining characters to be printed will be made in the same manner. Upon completion of the recording of the current date'two blank spaces are preferably left on the recordcardby suitable direct connections from contacts on the main selector switch to the carriage'control or other segment of the commutator which predetermines a blank printing operation. Following this, controls similar to those described above for the recording of the current date will be provided from contacts 8I of the main selector switch ,to the expiration date control dials 20 which will, in turn,- cause the stopping of the printing wheel at the appropriate points in: the

successive positions to record the expiration date that has been set up by'the operator. Two. more the control over, through a line 2 I8 to a collector segment I06 of the copies control dial. Arm I01 of the latter serves to bridge the collector: segment to the selectedcontact of' thegroup I08.

These contacts, as previouslyexplained,arecon-- nected by line I09 to the control boardd and through the circuits explained will causethe brush arm 44 to be stopped on the segment of the commutator corresponding with the-number of copies selected. 'In the form of the invention illustrated it isintended to select either2r4or 6 copies. copies of most entries and-therefore, the operation of the apparatus may be speeded up slightly by omitting the recording of this number'when the usual number of copies is being made. *For this purpose, the'contact I88 which is identified with four copies may appropriately be connected with that segment of the commutator which predetermines the printing of a blank in lieu of connecting it with'the 4 segment. The'printing wheel will then remain in the same rotational position as for the preceding column of the-record. It will then be understood that the usualnumber of copies has been made.

In the illustrative apparatus, the character indicating the number of copies of the particular entry Will be recorded in the 37th column of the record with the switch arm 11 onthe 37th contact of the main selector switch. As the latter steps to the next and succeeding positions the remaining contacts BI may select the blank position of the printing wheel by'appropriate direct connections from these contacts to the blank segment of the commutator. Also on the 40th step of movement of the printing wheel carriage the finger 51 will engage the cam formation 56a of the worm 56 to bring about carriagereturn in the'rnanner hereinabove explained. If desired, it may be made to occur during the 38th or 39th step of movement or" the carriage, by appropriate location of the cam 5661. However, the timing of this'operation should be such that the carriage will not be fully returned to-its starting position until the shaft 5I has completed its 40th-half revolution. During this half revolution ofthe shaft, the 40th step of movement will be imparted to the main selector switch 'armspto bringthe latter back to the starting position, i. e.-f-romposition 40 to position 1. Here the arm IE will again engage the contact which is connectedwith the number 2 segment of the commutator 45 so that," as the magnet 42 is energized upon completion of the half rotation of shaft 5|, the-brush arm and the printing wheel will be stopped'in the 2 position, ready to print the character designating the particular machine at the beginning of the next printing cycle. This character will not be printed during the recording operation under consideration because the circuit through the coil 46 will be broken at this time atthe switch Ill. The coil I66 will be energized'a-t this time by remaking of thecircuit 94, I64, 16, I65, I66, I61, 44, IOI, and I02,'as explained at the outset. Therefore, the circuit-willbe broken between arm Ill and line I so that detent-49 will not be operated to release the shaft -5I. The circuit through dial unlocking coil I73 and lamp I'I3a will not be completed at the end of the recording-cycle described because-the copy switch It has been found desirable tomake 4.

arm I62 (Fig. 313) will have been shifted to its second contact. However, the circuit mentioned will be completed to unlock the dials and light the lamp at the end of the recording cycle in which the last copy of a particular item has been recorded, since, as will be explained, the arm I82 will be restored to its 1 position in the course of this cycle.

Returning now to the special functions performed in the course of a recording cycle, but not identified with the printing of characters, when the 18th position is reached by the arms of the main selecting switch, the arm I8 will engage contact 2I9 which is connected by line 220 with one end of a coil [38b identified with the units order switch of the counter. The opposite terminal of this coil is connected by line 2I3 with the number 1 contact of the copies switch. In the particular operation under consideration the circuit will be broken at this point since the arm IiiI will have been previously shifted to the number 2 contact. However, in the course of printing the last copy of a particular entry the arm ISI will be on the number 1 contact at this particular time in the cycle, I

as explained above, so that the circuit will be completed through line 233 to ground and will, therefore, cause the units order of the counter to be advanced one step because of the energization of coil I382). It should be noted in this I position or" the main selector switch and the arm IBI will have been advanced one step to the number 1 contact upon the subsequent energizing of the magnet l38a at the tenth po-- sition of the main selector switch.

when the main selector stepped around to its 22nd position the arm will engage contact 22I which is connected by line 222 with one end of a resistance 223, the opposite end of which is connected by a line 224 with a coil I460 identified with the tens order of the counting system. Coil I480, it will be understood, serves to reset the tens order switch at the appropriate time. In the particular cycle of operation illustrated and being described, the coil I460 will not be effective to reset the switch because the circuit will be broken at another point along the line. It extends from the coil I480 through a resistance 225, thence through a line 223 to a line 221 connected with the contact of the units order switch. In the course of the entry now under consideration the arm I51 of this switch will have been shifted to the number 2 contact I52, so that the circuit is broken at this point. However, the circuit will be completed at this point under certain circumstances, i. e., during a recording operation in which the resetting coil I481) has been operated to reset the arms I28 and I5I, to a position one step below those illustrated, and coil I381; has been subsequently energized to advance the arms I28 and I5I to the 0 position. This will have occurred during an operation in which the arm I5I was engaged with the last or number 9 contact of the series I52, from which line 2I4 extends.

However, the circuit which will then be extended from line 221, through arm I5I, line 2I5 and line 2I3, will be completed only when the copies counter arm [BI is in the 1 position. That, as previously explained, will take place switch has been in the course of the recording or the last copy of a particular entry. It should be noted, in this connection, that the arm IGI will have been reset to a point one step below the number 1 contact and will have then been advanced one step to the number 1 position by the time the arm I8 of the main selector switch has reached its 10th step. However, while a circuit is thus completed through the coil I460, the combination of resistances 223 and 225 is such that the current flow will be small and will be inadequate to operate the resetting devices. Resetting will occur only when one of these resistances has been by-passed. This will happen to resistance 225 when arm I53 reaches its 9th position where it engages a contact connected by a line 228 with the line from coil I460, the inner end of arm I53 being connected by a line 229 with the line 226. At this time adequate current will flow through the coil I460 to eflfect the resetting of the tens order switch when all of the other conditions described have been met. The net result of the foregoing is to reset the tens order switch only in an operation in which the arms I28 and I53 0! this switch are in their 9th positions while the arm [5| of the units order switch is in its 0 position and the copy counter I6I is in the 1 position. This condition can occur only during a cycle in which the last copy of a particular entry is being made and in which the two lower orders of the counter are being moved from 99 to 00.

As the arm 19 of the main selector switch reaches its 26th position it engages a contact 238 which is connected by a line 23I with a coil I380 adapted to advance the arms of the tens order switch a step at a time. The circuit from coil I380 is completed through lines 226 and 221 in the same manner as the circuit is completed through coil I460 as explained. However, it is not necessary that the arm I53 be in its 9th position since adequate current to operate the advancing magnet I380 will flow through the latter whenever the circuit is completed by engagement of arm I5I with its 0 contact and arm I6I with its number 1 contact.

On reaching the 30th position, arm I9 01 the main selector switch engages a contact 232 which is connected by a line 233 with a resistance 234, the opposite end of which is connected by a line 235 with a resetting coil I46d associated with the hundreds order switch of the counter. The opposite side of coil Ed is connected through a resistance 236 and line 231 with the 0 contact I54 of the tens order switch of the counter. The circuit at this point can be completed only when the arm I53 is in its 0 position, at which time the circuit extends through lines 229, 228 and 221 to the 0 contact for the arm I5I. The circuit is completed at this point only when arm I5l is in the 0 position, at which time it extends through lines 2I5 and 2I3 to the number 1 contact of the copies switch. From this point the circuit is completed by the arm IGI and line 204 but only when the arm I6I is in the number 1 position. Here again the circuit that is thus completed has a total resistance, due to the resistances 234 and 236 in series, of such magnitude that inadequate current will flow to operate the resetting means for the hundreds order. Howevenwhen arm I55 is in its 9th position the resistance 236 will be by-passed or short-circuited, by line 238, arm I55, and line 239, so that at this time the magnet M will be efl'ective to reset the hon dreds order, counter. ,This, it will be seen, can occuronly whenarm I55 is inits, 9th position, arms. I53 and I5I are in their Opositions, and arm I6] is in its number 1 position. Thus it occurs only when the counter system is passing from 999 back to 000 in the course of recording the last copy of entry number 999.

As the main selector switch is stepped further, to its 34th position, arm "I9 engages contact 248 which is connected by a line 24I with a coil I38d that operates the step by step advancing means for the hundreds order counter. The circuit is completed from coil l38d through line 2.31, arm I53, lines 229, 226, and 221, arm ISI, lines 2I5 andllil,v arm, IBI and line 264 to ground. This can .occur, however, only when the copy counter arm I6I is in its number 1 position and the units and tens order counter arms I5I and I53 are in their. Opositions. It is only at this time that another step should be given to the hundreds switch arm.

On reaching the 38th position, the arm I9 of themain selector switch engages a contact 242 which is connected by a line 243 with a magnet 244 adapted to operate the counter 23 which indicates the number of items entered on the machine. From the coil 244, a line 245 extends to the second contact of the group I63 on the copy counter. .Thus at this stage in the operation, 1

will-be added to the total on the counter 23. This occurs only during the second entry of a particular item. It will be understood that at least two copies are always to be made of any entry and; therefore, it is satisfactory to operate the counter 23 on the making of the second copy.

The. circuit will, of course, be completed at this time through the arm I 52 and the line to ground at H6. Preferably no provision is made for resetting the counter 23, so that this will at all times indicate the total number of entries made onth machine, After the maximum number of entries capable of being counted on this counter has been .entered, it will, of course, pass to a indication. If desired, however, aresetting means under control of a supervisor may be provided.

The coil 244, or a second similar coil either in series or in parallel with coil 244, may serve to operate the counter 24 at the same. time. This counter, however, is provided with resetting meansoperableby the rock member 25 at the willof the operator of the machine, since it is provided simply for the convenience of the operator. It enables a quick computation to be made of the amount of money involved in a se ries of transact-ions based upon the same sub scription rate. Thus, if 500 entries are indicated by the counter 24 of a group of $20 subscriptions, the total amount involved in the transactions will readily be computed at $10,900.

After completion of the entry in the manner above explained, the main selector switch will still have a number of steps of movement before the switch arms are brought back. to their initial'po'sitions. Thus the recording of the complete entry, in the arrangement illustrated and described, may require 36 or 3? different positions of the switch arms, and a corresponding number of positions of the printing wheel across the record sheet, depending upon whether the number of-copies medals to be recorded at the end of the entry. Since 40 steps are required to bringythe switch arms back to their original or numberl positions there will remain 4 or steps of movement after completion of the entry. In eachyof; the positions 38, 39, and, 49, which are reachedupon. the 37th, 38th, and 39th steps of movementof the selector switch arms, the contacts. are connected directly with the space or carriagereturn segment of the commutator 45. Thissegment of the commutator and printing wheel may also be selected in the 37th position, if the copy dial is adjusted to its number 4 position, as explained above. Return of the carriage, toward the right (Fig. 1) may commence at any appropriate point in the recording cycle after the platen 551) has been operated for the 37th position of. the printing wheel. It may occur during the 38th half revolution of shaft 5| or be delayed until the 39th or40th half revolution of shaft 5|, if desired, by suitably locating the camsurface 56a. The timing should be such, however, that the carriage is not fully restored toward the right, to re-engage the finger 51 with worm 56, until shaft 5i has completed its 40th half. revolution.

The time required for the return of the carriage is greater than that required for the printing of a single character and, therefore, it is possible to allow severalpositions of the main selector switch for its return. This is by no means necessary, however, since the carriage will return more quickly than the operator can remove the record card and insert a new one. Due to the fact that the carriage return or space position of the printing wheel will be selected for each of the final steps of the main selector switch arms, the operation of the platen 551) will have no effect.

During the 40th half revolution of the shaft 5| which causes cam member Isl to close and then openthe circuit through the stepping coil 89 to shift the selector switch arms from their 40th position back to the number 1 or first position, arm I6 will again engage the first contact of group 8t, which, as before explained, is connected with that segment of the commutator 65 which selects the number that identifies the particular machine. In the example described above, this is the number 2, so that upon this cycle of operation of the machine the commutator brush arm and the printing wheel will be turned to present the number 2 at the printing position. Printing of the character will not take place at this time, however, because the circuit through the coil '56, which releases the print shafteI, will be broken at the switch Hi. This is dueto the closing of the circuit between lines I and I61, when the selector switch is returned to the number 1 position, with consequent energization of the magnet coil 156. Upon completion of this cycle of the various devices the circuits will all be restored to the condition indicated in Figs. 3A and 3B, with the exception that the circuit through line I15, lock release magnet I73, lamp 113a, etc. will not be completed since the arm IE2 of the copy counting switch will not, at this time, be in the 1 position. The circuit just mentioned will be completed only after the recording of the last copy of the particular entry, at which time the copy counting switch will have been reset and then restored to the position indicated in Fig. 7

3B. Priorto this, however, for the recording of the second copy of an entry, it is simply necessary to depress the starting button or switch ii, after the new record medium has been inserted in printing position, and the same cycle of operations will be repeated to record the item again. After the selected number of copies has been produced in this way, the circuit through line 

